Download Name, Sex and approximate age: Eclipsius Stephanius was born in

Name, Sex and approximate age:
Eclipsius Stephanius was born in 148BC to father Romanous Stephanius and mother
Aemelia Avitus. He was the eldest of four male siblings, Sacros, Nickos, Kevenous,
Josephus. The entire family was fortunate enough to become citizens by virtue as both their
mother and father had pre-affirmed citizenship. Eclipsius lived a mundane life, abiding by the
laws the Roman Empire had set for him and the rest of civilisation
Social Position
Eclipsius Stephanius and his family were classed as Plebeians and were not relatively
wealthy1. Amidst his social status, or lack there-of, being a member of the Plebeian class, he
attempted to gain social popularity and financial backing in the hope of running for office. His
wife, Augustina Fidelia, was of the same class, but with a larger wealth. She was the
daughter of merchant and highly respected Plebeian, Pomponius Fidelis.
Legal Position.
Eclipsius, as a citizen, was entitled to certain rights and bound by legal obligations2. He was
provided protection under the Roman Empire’s army, own land and allowed to run for office3,
which he later did. However, he was expected to vote at elections and assemblies, join the
army if needed and possibly work for governmental figures4.
Political Position
Eclipsius, unlike the majority of roman civilisation, harboured an ambition to pursue a
political career to better the conditions of the Plebeian class, however, he held none of the
required titles or past offices5. He hoped to gain enough popular support amongst his fellow
Plebeians to force his way into office. He made some allies among the magistracies, yet not
enough to gain him access.
1
Plebeian- every one who was not classed as a patrician was a plebeian The usborne encyclopedia of
roman empire .
2
Usborne encyclopedia. 20.
3
Usborne encyclopedia. 20.
4
Usborne encyclopedia. 20.
5
History and conquests of Ancient rome, pg87
Economic Position.
Being a Plebeian, Eclipsius was not born to money6, however, his wife was. This proved to
be the vital source of their survival until he made his move for power. Though he was only a
Plebeian, his thirst for political greatness attracted a great amount of financial need, as such
Eclipsius was in control of a large amount of money.
Religious Life.
Eclipsius, much like many other citizens in rome during this time, practiced polytheism and
worshipped a myriad of Gods and Godesses. Romans, during this time, built shrines which
served as places of worship for the public. All were encouraged to attend the religious
holidays and festivals, of which numbered more than one hundred7. Though there is no
evidence suggesting Eclispsius attended such festivities, as he practiced the religion, it can
be safely assumed that he did.
Family Life and Household.
Eclipsius
Eclipsius married his father’s Niece, making her his first cousin, she bore him 4 children, and
died during complications giving birth to the fifth
. He lived in a regular house and often worked as a labourer in order to make ends meet to
keep his family alive and healthy.
6
7
Rome the greatest empire of the ancient world pg 89 rhys
Rome the greatest empire of the ancient world pg 89 rhys
Concluding Summary.